Ala. Code § 43-2-295

If such executor or administrator is not an inhabitant of the state, or is absent therefrom, upon such fact being shown by proof satisfactory to the judge, he or she must direct notice of such application to be given by publication for three successive weeks in some newspaper published in the county, or if none is published therein in the newspaper published nearest to the courthouse thereof; and the applicant must pay the expense of such publication, which may be taxed as costs.